MULTIMODAL IMAGING OF MACULAR CHOROIDAL MACROVESSEL: A REPORT OF TWO CASES

Retin Cases Brief Rep. 2021 May 1;15(3):218-223. doi: 10.1097/ICB.0000000000000776.

Abstract

Purpose: To report two cases of macular choroidal macrovessel with description of multimodal imaging and review of published cases.

Methods: Medical and imaging records were retrospectively reviewed. A literature review was performed to identify other cases of macular choroidal macrovessel published between 1990 and 2018.

Results: There were 2 patients referred for evaluation of a potential choroidal tumor, including a 55-year-old white woman with no visual symptoms and a 68-year-old white woman with blurred vision. Funduscopic examination in each case revealed a focal area of choroidal elevation in the temporal foveal area with a single, dilated, slightly tortuous choroidal vessel, estimated to measure 250 μm and 300 μm, respectively, at widest girth, and extending temporally toward the equator with a tapering width. Optical coherence tomography showed an optically hollow choroidal lesion elevating the retinal pigment epithelium with overlying ellipsoid zone mottling. Both cases demonstrate shallow subretinal fluid, sparing the foveola. Fluorescein angiography showed faint staining along the course of the vessel in both cases. Indocyanine green angiography demonstrated clear visualization of the ectatic vessel with early filling and late staining without leakage. Both patients retained visual acuity of 20/25 in the affected eye and did not require treatment.

Conclusion: Macular choroidal macrovessel is a rare vascular anomaly presenting as a single, dilated, tortuous choroidal vessel, originating in the temporal foveal region and extending temporally to the equator. This finding can simulate a choroidal neoplasm or parasitic track. Optical coherence tomography and indocyanine green angiography have diagnostic value demonstrating the vascular nature of this lesion and delineating the vascular course.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Choroid / blood supply*
  • Choroid / diagnostic imaging
  • Coloring Agents / administration & dosage
  • Female
  • Fluorescein Angiography
  • Humans
  • Indocyanine Green / administration & dosage
  • Middle Aged
  • Multimodal Imaging
  • Subretinal Fluid
  • Tomography, Optical Coherence
  • Vascular Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Visual Acuity

Substances

  • Coloring Agents
  • Indocyanine Green